Reactions were mixed in response to the Kentucky Derby national anthem

[ASFN Admin]

The Tedeschi Trucks Band performed "The Star Spangled Banner" at Churchill Downs ahead of the 152nd Kentucky Derby around 5 p.m. on May 2.

Fans took to social media shortly after the performance to share their thoughts about the the American blues rock group's rendition of the national anthem.

Reviews were mostly mixed, but viewers had a lot to say about the performance. Here's what we know.

Several people found the performance to be amazing.​

Very cool that the Kentucky Derby had a little Allman flavor w Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks for the National Anthem.

I love the #KentuckyDerby. pic.twitter.com/TKlutWcrg7

— DJ Otis Badass (@DJOtisBadass) May 2, 2026

W00t! to Susan Tedeschi
that's gotta be the best version of the National Anthem ever.

— Jason Neely (@bondibox) May 2, 2026

THAT is how you do the National Anthem. It is not about you, but you do it exceptionally well. @DerekAndSusanhttps://t.co/KdHtHjz0iE

— CaptainTouchback (@CaptTouchback) May 2, 2026

@DerekAndSusan well done on The National Anthem!! #kyderby

— Van Winkle and the Spirits (@vanwinklemusic) May 2, 2026

Others absolutely hated the performance​

Gonna be honest. The national anthem sucked.

— Philip Pendleton (@philmoneymanagr) May 2, 2026

The Tedeschi Trucks Band just performed the National Anthem at the Kentucky Derby.
Why?
What a train wreck!

— Dan (@Blue_Cat_X) May 2, 2026

The Kentucky Derby National Anthem performance SUCKED!!

— Bryan Gaming Journalist (@BryanApplegate5) May 2, 2026

A few people said they liked the vocals, but not the guitar​

@ChurchillDowns the electric guitar made that national anthem sound terrible I mean absolutely horrendous. I mean they should refund every ticket. They was so bad and pay the debt. They owe America for putting that performance together for the Kentucky Derby.

— Matthew Abramson (@MatthewAbr81822) May 2, 2026

Several users made comments about people in attendance not removing their hats​

Apparently the Kentucky Derby is the only place you don't have to remove your hat for the National Anthem #DerbyDayLive

— J.Allen (@Bu83Ja) May 2, 2026

Why aren’t people removing their hats at the Kentucky Derby for the National Anthem?!

— Jeremy Brokate (@JeremyBrokate) May 2, 2026

One user did point out that technically, fascinators, the hairpieces women wear at the Derby, aren't exactly hats​

Kentucky Derby Announcer: Please stand and remove your hats for the National Anthem.

Every woman in attendance m: ummm, it’s glued to my head.

— Christopher Harkey (@ccharkey17) May 2, 2026

Read more: Here's who sang the national anthem at the Kentucky Derby in past years

Katie Wiseman covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Contact her at [email protected]. Follow her on Bluesky, Twitter and Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Derby fans react to Tedeschi Trucks Band's national anthem performance

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